Is there anyone with some info on this pinch bolt, and maybe a link I can find with the procedure? I have done many search attempts, but have gotten no information. I was told that when I do my MM's, to releive the tension at the pinch bolt. It seems like an important issue & I would like to address it.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!!

Rob

 

Check this out:

http://members.rennlist.com/v1uhoh/9...earticleTH.pdf

 

Malcom, you are a saint!! More thanks than you know!!

Rob

 

No worries Rob............just passing on the good 928 word.

 

I see in the article that '84's and older usually did not have a problem with this tension in the flexplate. When I have the oil pan dropped, I will be able to see if the crank has been pushing forward by whether or not there is any scraping on the walls in the block. If there is no evidance of damage, can I assume that I am safe from this problem, or should I still check the plate? My car reads just under 125,000 as of now.

Thanks!

Rob

 

If you are that far into it I would release the pinch bolt and check the crank end play.

 

Has anyone ever suggested that loosening the pinch bolt might induce the sleeping dog syndrome?

 

The only real valid way to test to see if you have been afflicted to any extent is to check the end play on the crank itself. To do that you'll need to loosen the pinch bolt anyway, so you'll be able to see if the flexplate is pushing on the crank by observing or even measuring (straightedge and feeler gauges before and after...) how much it actually moves. Then the dial indicator on the crank as you push/pull to get the actual clearance, Clarence.

As mentioned in several threads on the sugject, the aproblem seems to be only with the later cars, where the driveshaft design changed. It might also be linked to the additional torque of the later motors, which would tend to shorten the shaft more than the early motors. Lots of theories. No matter, you will sleep easier after you check.

As far as seeing wear on the bearing webs-- The block machining looks like crank scuffing even before the crank scuffs it, so a visual inspection may not tell you a lot. You can't easily see the thrust bearing with the crank installed and the girdle in place. I think the endplay measurement is really the best indicator of excess wear on the thrust bearing.

 

I assume you are serious. What could be worse than this sleeping dog?

Rob: Just to be clear on the nomenclature (since you hadn't heard about it and somebody else (newby) who hasn't head about it is probably reading this) it is not tension on the pinch bolt that you are releasing; it is forward pressure (or tension if you like) on the flex plate. The link provided calls it the coupler bolt.

 

Thanks all for the help. I see in the link exactly what the culprit is & I will get in there to see.